News

First Sunday, a diocesan respite program designed to support caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and other progressive memory disorders, allows caregivers to spend an afternoon to themselves, away from the rigors of caregiving, while their loved one enjoys an afternoon of structured activities. The program’s newest location is the St. Clare – Newport Adult Day Health Program.

It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing. - Mother Theresa

What is First Sunday?

The First Sunday Respite program supports caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and other progressive memory disorders, as well as other disabilities. The program allows caregivers to spend an afternoon away from the rigors of caregiving, while their loved ones enjoy an afternoon of structured activities at one of the four current sites: Hope Alzheimer's Center, Cranston; PACE Adult Day Center of Westerly; PACE Adult Day Center of Woonsocket; and St. Clare's, Newport. The program is offered at no cost.

Employees skilled in providing care to people with disabilities and memory impairments staff the programs, assisted by volunteers from St. David's Episcopal Church and Bishop Hendricken High School in Cranston. Activities may include: gardening, outdoor walks, music, arts, crafts, cooking, tai chi, yoga for seniors, and exercise.

First Sunday began in 2016, supported by funding from the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Please check the calendar for the 2018 programs.

Community Impact

First Sunday provided 84 families and caregivers enrolled in this program with free-of-charge respite care in 2017-2018.

Families enjoyed more than 300 total hours of respite care during 2017-2018, the second year of the program's offering.